Category: Neighbourhood Watch

“Are You OK?” Campaign

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

Last month our national Neighbourhood Watch launched an “Are you OK?” campaign against street harassment. Although street harassment is unlikely to be common in Wenvoe we may see it elsewhere. It is usually directed towards women, girls, and gender-diverse people.

Street harassment is on the rise and is often not an isolated incident. We know the long-term impact can harm mental health and change people’s behaviour. Victims often feel guilty, ashamed and blame themselves.

Witnessing street harassment and not safely intervening sends the message to those experiencing it that it’s okay and society normalises it.

The campaign encourages those who see someone being harassed in public to ask the victim “Are you OK?” when they feel safe doing so. Those three little words let the victim know they have support and street harassment is never okay.

Alan French

 

Criminals Are Still Busy

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

 

During this holiday time it is easy to relax, but criminals are still busy trying to scam you via emails or texts.

Phishing

Phishing is when a criminal impersonates trusted organisations by creating legitimate-looking messages and websites. This is done to trick the user into giving some of their personal information.

It is a common problem faced by individuals and businesses on a daily basis.

Through our membership of the national Watch organisation we can pass on to Wenvoe residents the following advice to deal with phishing scams.

  • If you have any doubts about a message, contact the organisation directly. BUT don’t use the numbers or addresses in the message; use the details from their official website.
  • If you think an email could be a scam, you can report it by forwarding it to: report @phishing.gov.uk
  • Most phone providers are part of a scheme that allows customers to report suspicious texts free by forwarding them to 7726. The provider can block or ban the sender if the text is found to be malicious.
  • If you’ve lost money or provided personal information as a result of a phishing scam, notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud: www.actionfraud.police.uk

 

Alan French

 

Increase in burglaries

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

Increase in burglaries after covid restrictions eased

Watch has come across some information which could be useful to Residents as the Summer holiday season arrives.

Churchill Home Insurance has used its own data to calculate that 9M people have been burgled in their own home in the UK, many targeted more than once. There was a lull in reported burglaries due to the covid pandemic but cases increased towards the end of 2021 as households returned to work. There was an 11% increase in burglaries reported to police in the 4th quarter of 2021 compared with the 3 previous months.

Useful advice is:

  • Don’t advertise that your home is empty on social media.
  • When you go away make sure to cancel papers, milk etc. and fit timers to put on lamps or radios automatically.
  • Ask a neighbour or your Watch Co-ordinator, to keep an eye on your home.
  • Make sure doors and windows are locked and items like laptops can not be seen through a window.
  • Install security cameras or alarms.
  • Ensure you have an up-to-date insurance policy.

 

The full item can be seen at https://apple.news/AFQb1vEf7Q2W1NQR047JJfA

Alan French

 

 

Back in Harness After 2 Years

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NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

Back in Harness After 2 Years

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watch Co-ordinators met for the first time in 2 years on 23 February 2022 in the Community Centre. The Chairman welcomed 6 new Co-ordinators who had joined during this time. He also welcomed 2 PCSO’s who were in attendance, one who had served Wenvoe in the past and the other who was new to the Force.

A new national website has been established www.ourwatch.org.uk to disseminate information and best practise. It works on a national, regional and local level. Wenvoe Co-ordinators are encouraged to register and it is understood members of the public can also register.

Vandalism and anti-social behaviour have occurred in various parts of Wenvoe. Teenage youngsters were responsible, some caught on surveillance camera resulting in Police visits to their homes. The PCSO’s at the meeting said the following action could be taken:

  • Call 101 or if very serious,999. Report date and time of incident.
  • A report can be sent to www.south-wales.police.uk particularly if photo evidence is available. Numerous reports can result in a pattern emerging.

 

The existence of Wenvoe Community Support Group on Facebook was noted. Posts often are the first notification of potential criminal activity.

Problems with dogs were reported. The PCSO’s said that this was not a police matter unless a dog attacked a person. Dog problems can be reported to the Vale Dog Warden on 01466 700111.

There was also a report of car racing in the car park at the rear of the St Lythans Estate. Report to 101 if further occurrence.

Alan French

 

 

Covid Pass Scam Alert

COVID SCAM ALERT

The NHS COVID Pass was recently launched so people can show their COVID vaccine or test status, which might be needed to travel and gain entry to some events. Vaccine passes are completely free. You can download a digital version using the NHS app, or ask for a physical copy to be posted to you. Fraudsters have been sending out fake NHS branded emails, falsely inviting people to apply – and pay – for a pass. Don’t follow the links on these messages

 

 

Animals Out of  Control

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

Animals Out of  Control

We have had a report of a dog being exercised off the lead in the area of St Andrews Road and Burdons Hill. The owner does not appear to be in full control and the dog is reported to have aggressively fought with other dogs.

There is also a report of a horse being ridden in the same area with the rider not appearing to be in full control of the horse.

We suggest residents take extra care when walking in these areas.

 

 

Dog Thefts

DOG THEFTS

A warning from the Vale web site. With Dog theft on the rise please see the safety advice below

  • Do not leave your dog outside or in kennels if unsupervised.
  • Always keep fences and gates secure.
  • Keep information of markings on your dog and take an up to date photograph.
  • If your dog has had puppies be mindful of advertising them on social media as criminals may see this.
  • Do not leave your dog unattended outside a shop.
  • Keep your dog as close to you as possible-when on a walk make sure they stay near and respond to your recall.
  • Do your research before buying a dog/puppy. Do not make any quick decisions and report anything suspicious to the Police.
  • Alternate the time you go and route you take when walking your dog. Criminals will notice patterns of behaviour.
  • Try to walk your dogs in an area visible to others and when it is light.
  • Use your surname and contact number on the dog’s collar rather than their name. Criminals could use the dogs name as a way of enticing them away from you.
  • Walk your dog with members of your household so you are not alone.
  • If your dog/puppy is kept outside, then invest in some preventative security measures such as CCTV or extra lightening.
  • Please report any suspicious behaviour to 101 or 999 in an emergency.

 

AGM Report Postponed

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

AGM Report

Our Watch AGM was due to be held in February 2021. Obviously, this is not now possible and it is necessary to continue as we are for the current year.

During 2020 we gave reports in What’s On for the months of March, September, October and November. The Watch Co-ordinators kept their eyes open for anti-social or criminal behaviour and will continue to do so. There is still a small amount of disturbing behaviour in Wenvoe and we ask all residents to be aware and report incidents to their Co-ordinator. If you do not know who your Co-ordinator is please contact our Secretary, Jackie Gauci, telephone number below.

We will continue to provide reports at intervals during 2021.

Our Officers are:

Chair: Alan French

Vice Chair:   Colin Thomas

Secretary/Treasurer:   Jackie Gauci. Tel. 07876 207843 or                jackie.gauci47@gmail.com

Alan French

 

 

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